MOUNT VERNON – Mount Vernon Nazarene University Athletics has reported that Jevon Knox and Taylor Gregory of the men’s and women’s basketball teams, respectively, have been honored with the Foster Award for the 2020-21 season.
The Foster Award is an annual honor given to one senior male and one senior female athlete at MVNU. In addition to high achievement in athletics, the award goes to two student-athletes who show excellence in academics and in the community.
“We are thankful for the Foster family and their continued investment in people at MVNU and our student-athletes,” athletic director Chip Wilson said. “Taylor and Jevon are terrific representatives of this award. They are both decorated student-athletes, but their character has made an even bigger impact in their time at MVNU. We look forward to seeing where God leads them.”
Knox is a three-time NAIA All-American and averaged 18.5 points per game during his MVNU career. He saved his best season for last, putting up averages of 21.2 points per game on 50% shooting from the floor and 44.7% from 3-point range. Knox was able to surpass 2,000 points for his career this past season and sits fourth all-time on the men’s basketball scoring list with 2,163 total points.
“It’s an honor to be recognized for the Foster Award,” Knox said. “MVNU has made such a great impact on my life, and my hope is that I was able to leave this place even better than I found it. I’m extremely grateful for all of the memories I’ve made here as well as all the love and support I’ve felt over the last five years. I can clearly see God’s hand in bringing me to MVNU, and I am excited to see what He has in store for this place for years to come.”
“What an honor for Jevon to finish off his incredible career here at MVNU,” men’s basketball coach Jared Ronai said. “This recognition shows how impactful Jevon was as a leader on and off the floor here at MVNU. Every day, Jev led with humility and care that helped his teammates grow and get better. He led in the classroom where he set an example of discipline and focus through an extremely full schedule. He led spiritually with a heart for others and with empathy to grow along with his teammates. We are super proud of Jevon and this great honor.”
Gregory wrapped up a storybook season for the MVNU women’s basketball team. A graduate of Mount Vernon High School, she helped lead the team to a historic run in the NAIA National Tournament. Thanks to Gregory, the team made the NAIA National Tournament for just the second time in program history, won its first NAIA National Tournament game in program history, and advanced to the Round of 16 for the first time ever. Gregory, who is a two-time NAIA All-American, ranks second all-time in program history in scoring and rebounding, and sits first all-time in blocked shots.
“I am so honored to receive the Foster award,” Gregory said. “I am thankful God led me to MVNU where I have been surrounded with family members, teammates, coaches and professors that have poured into my life. MVNU has provided so many opportunities that allow us as students to work with the community and grow as individuals. Thank you to all those that have continued to support us through our college journeys.”
Women’s basketball coach Amanda Short is proud of Gregory for receiving the Foster Award.
“I’m so happy for Taylor and all that she accomplished in her time at MVNU,” Short said. “This last award says it all. She is a student-athlete with high character. She worked hard in the classroom every semester. She also got better every year as a player, earning numerous awards and records. Through her time at MVNU, she found time to serve and love others. Taylor is someone that makes others better when she is around them. She will be missed, but I’m so excited to see how God will use her and all her talents to pour into others.”
